The 67th annual Manitoba Threshermen's Reunion & Stampede begins this week, running July 27-30. "Every year over 11,000 annual visitors attend this iconic summer festival to experience what life was like in historic rural Manitoba," says Angie Klym, President of the Manitoba Agricultural Museum. "With over 100 acres of experiences and exhibits to enjoy there is something for everyone in the family." Its inaugural show in Western Canada, the International Cockshutt Collectors organization preserves the legacy of the iconic Canadian farm equipment manufacturer that built machinery specifically suited for the Canadian Prairies. Cockshutt built machinery from the 1870s to the 1960s. The 2023 festival includes many other activities, including: MacGregor Agri-Sales Stampede: the semi-pro rodeo event returns every evening and Manitoba's home-grown country music headlines the Stampede after-party with the Sean Taylor Band (Thursday), Kendra Kay (Friday), and Hick Town (Saturday). Pioneer Village Demonstrations: live interpreters demonstrate pioneer household and business activities throughout the 26-building heritage village. Be sure to taste the signature clay-oven-baked cinnamon buns and take a horse-drawn wagon ride. CFRY Pioneer Power Parade: Canada's largest heritage parade occurs daily with hundreds of entries of horse-drawn wagons, vintage vehicles, steam engines, tractors, and machinery. Live Entertainment: Home-grown musical talent entertains visitors every day at multiple venues at the festival. Military Display: learn about the history and current complement and capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces based at CFB Shilo with exhibits from the 1st Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Regiment and the Royal Canadian Artillery Museum. SHURGRO Farm Services Demonstration Field: watch and ride along on vintage farm equipment as it showcases how crops were harvested and fields were tilled. Manitoba Clydesdale Classic: Manitoba's largest single-breed heavy horse show occurs with multiple competition classes Thursday-Saturday. Reunion Ladies Activities Fashion Show: Thursday through Saturday watch how fashion changed through the decades at the vintage fashion show. Route 34 Classic Car Show: the vintage vehicle show occurs Saturday. Many children's activities, displays, and other events occur across the grounds over the four days of the festival. For additional information, please view the festival visitors' guide.
